Queen of Jordan wades into row and condemns Israel over airstrike on Gaza hospital
Queen Rania condemns Israel
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Queen Rania of Jordan has condemned Israel over a recent airstrike on the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza, however, the nation has claimed they are not responsible for the attack.
The Queen of Jordan uploaded a strongly-worded statement on her Instagram story where she expressed her horror over the incident.
Queen Rania wrote in her statement: "Horrified by the Israeli airstrike on Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital.
"Hundreds are dead in the single most brutal attack on Gaza.
Queen Rania posted this message on her Instagram story
Instagram / Queen Rania
"This massacre is a war crime, an affront to humanity, and a stain on the world's conscience.
"There is NO justification for this.
"Our prayers are with the victims and their families.
"May God grant them the peace they so deserve."
A satellite image shows Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza after the blast
Reuters
However, Israel has denied any involvement in the strike on the hospital
IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus told CNN that Israel "categorically" do not intentionally strike any sensitive facilities, including hospitals.
He said: "We did not strike that, and that the intelligence that we have suggests that it was a failed rocket launch by the Islamic Jihad,' he said.
"I want to add, categorically, that we do not intentionally strike any sensitive facilities, and definitely not hospitals."
Islamic Jihad dismissed those claims, accusing Israel of “trying hard to evade responsibility for the brutal massacre it committed.”
The strike on the hospital killed at least 500 Palestinians, which has led to a global outrage.
Many of those killed were taking shelter from nearly two weeks of Israeli bombing of the enclave.
It has overshadowed President Joe Biden's visit to the country, as he arrived today.
The hospital that was targeted in the airstrike was located in Gaza’s Old City, between the Shujaiya and Zeitoun neighbourhoods in Gaza City.
Queen Rania has Palestinian parents
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Queen Rania, who was born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents, married the King of Jordan in 1993.
Last week, King Abdullah II met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Jordan has said they are committed to "stand by the Palestinians and provide aid to Gaza".
They have also "stressed the need to de-escalate in Gaza and warn against adopting a policy of collective punishment towards Gaza residents and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis".